If we had to describe all of the amazing new products and technologies we saw at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 last week, we'd need 10 of these columns.
Amid all the hype this year, the hugest buzz was about ultra-high-definition TV (UHDTV).
The focus on televisions isn't surprising for a consumer electronics-focused trade show filled with buyers from major online and big-box retailers. But there's also a reason for tech investors like you folks to pay attention as well.
According to the Consumer Electronics Association trade group, Americans will be buying 1.43 million UHDTV sets, or roughly 5% of televisions sold nationally, in 2016. That's a 60-fold increase from 2013, when UHDTVs debuted.
And, of course, there are ways for all of us to profit on all those UHDTVs our fellow Americans will be buying.
So, let's hit the floor of CES 2015 to find them...
CES 2015: The Future Is Bright
At the LG Electronics Inc. pavilion, we witnessed some of the most lifelike images we've ever seen on these new 4K UHDTV displays, as well as on the new organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TVs. These sets had amazingly brilliant and bright colors as well.
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (OTCMKTS: SSNLF) is also stepping up in a big way with UHDTV. At the South Korean company's 28,000-square-foot pavilion - the largest one at CES this year - we were treated to more amazing views.
Not to be outdone (except in size), the 25,000-square-foot pavilion for Sony Corp. (NYSE ADR: SNE) boasted (among many other fantastic products) a 4K set the Japanese company calls "The World's First High-Resolution Audio Compatible TV."
The rule-of-thumb definition of "high-resolution audio" is any audio quality better than a CD. If you're an audiophile, like us, you may want to mark down this model number 65X930C - it was that good.
And the way we're cashing in on all these incredible new TV sets is through longtime Strategic Tech Investor favorite Ambarella Inc. (Nasdaq: AMBA), whose video processors are found in most UHDTVs. If you've stuck with Ambarella - also a video chip supplier to CES favorite GoPro Inc. (Nasdaq: GPRO) - since I first recommended it back on Aug. 2, 2013, you've made gains of an incredible 259%.
And I think it could still double from where we are now.
That's why we're on the hunt at CES for our next triple-digit winners.
CES 2015: Hitting the Road
We naturally couldn't resist the massive "connected" car area at CES this year.
Cars today are like smartphones with wheels, so it's no surprise to see so many automakers represented in Las Vegas.
At the Chevrolet booth, we strapped on an Oculus Rift virtual-reality headset and took a tour of OnStar's connectivity and safety features.
And at the Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) pavilion, we took in the Detroit legend's "Wall of Fame," filled with Instagram pictures and Twitter messages from hundreds of satisfied Ford owners.
CES 2015: Core Principles
One of the highlights of my trip to CES was the Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) pavilion.
There we witnessed prominent new-media artist Joshua Davis demonstrate the power of Intel's RealSense camera. The RealSense camera has state-of-the-art motion capture that lets you create images on a computer screen through hand and body movements.
Intel, one of our 2015 Fast-Growing Picks, unveiled its new Core M processor at CES. Built using 14-nanometer process technology, the Core M is so energy efficient that laptop, tablet, and notebook manufacturers can now eliminate the cooling units in those products. That will allow for much lighter, slimmer, and more attractive devices.
These unprecedented levels of energy efficiency are a very big deal. We can expect longer battery life and greater graphics and streaming-video performance.
Dell uses the Core M processor in its new XPS 13 Ultrabook.
The device we handled, the Yoga 3 Pro by Lenovo Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS ADR: LNVGY), was described to us by one Intel rep as "a laptop when you need it - and a tablet when you want it." The Yoga 3 Pro had tremendous graphics and yet felt barely heavier than a magazine. The Yoga 3 Pro is almost 25% slimmer than the Apple MacBook Air, according to Intel.
Intel may be the old man of Silicon Valley - where we're always looking for the next, next thing - but this veteran company remains a great investment. And that's why I've been recommending it since July 2013.
Since then, we've made 53% gains on our shares.
CES 2015: Around the World - and a Guitar Break
In the Paradise Pavilion, we found hundreds of exhibitors from China... Taiwan... Vietnam... South Korea...
As a sign of just how massive China has become in consumer electronics - not just as a contract manufacturer, but as a designer and marketer of technologies, too - we counted 415 exhibits from a single Chinese province: Shenzhen.
And we have a big-time profit possibility in one of those nations to share with you later this week. So stay tuned.
After all that searching for such promising investments, it's sometimes hard to remember that CES 2015 was also about fun.
As a life-long guitarist, I was blown away by the cool white building Gibson Guitar Corp. had set up out in the Central Pavilion of Las Vegas Convention Center.
Inside we found walls of new instruments. Naturally, we had to take one down and play a few (loud!) licks.
As I tell you every week, the road to wealth is paved by tech - but I think the road to happiness may just be paved by six strings and a good amp.
More from Michael Robinson: Ambarella stock has gone up 259% since Michael first recommended it back in August 2013. But that's just the start. Here are five reasons why AMBA stock has had such a good run - and why it's set double again from here...
About the Author
Michael A. Robinson is a 36-year Silicon Valley veteran and one of the top tech and biotech financial analysts working today. That's because, as a consultant, senior adviser, and board member for Silicon Valley venture capital firms, Michael enjoys privileged access to pioneering CEOs, scientists, and high-profile players. And he brings this entire world of Silicon Valley "insiders" right to you...
- He was one of five people involved in early meetings for the $160 billion "cloud" computing phenomenon.
- He was there as Lee Iacocca and Roger Smith, the CEOs of Chrysler and GM, led the robotics revolution that saved the U.S. automotive industry.
- As cyber-security was becoming a focus of national security, Michael was with Dave DeWalt, the CEO of McAfee, right before Intel acquired his company for $7.8 billion.
This all means the entire world is constantly seeking Michael's insight.
In addition to being a regular guest and panelist on CNBC and Fox Business, he is also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer and reporter. His first book Overdrawn: The Bailout of American Savings warned people about the coming financial collapse - years before the word "bailout" became a household word.
Silicon Valley defense publications vie for his analysis. He's worked for Defense Media Network and Signal Magazine, as well as The New York Times, American Enterprise, and The Wall Street Journal.
And even with decades of experience, Michael believes there has never been a moment in time quite like this.
Right now, medical breakthroughs that once took years to develop are moving at a record speed. And that means we are going to see highly lucrative biotech investment opportunities come in fast and furious.
To help you navigate the historic opportunity in biotech, Michael launched the Bio-Tech Profit Alliance.
His other publications include: Strategic Tech Investor, The Nova-X Report, Bio-Technology Profit Alliance and Nexus-9 Network.